The presidency briefed the Council on how it plans to handle the issue of energy security, following the crisis stemming from the recent interruption of gas supplies from Russia via Ukraine to the EU.

The presidency outlined areas where it intends work to be speeded up and given the highest priority.

The Commission confirmed its intentions regarding interconnection and infrastructure projects to be proposed for EU funding under the economic recovery plan approved in December by the European Council.

The Council held an exchange of views, emphasising urgency in seeking solutions to problems that were highlighted during the gas crisis.

The presidency identified four areas on which it intends to focus:

internal energy market : reaching an agreement by the end of March on a proposed package, including on market transparency; interconnection and infrastructure projects : reaching an early agreement on the Commission's proposals; supply crisis response mechanisms : adjustments to directives on the security of supply of oil and gas, and measures to improve access to and investment in gas storage; external energy policy : developing policy so as to reduce the EU's vulnerability and avoid new disruptions of supply.

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The debate was not followed by the adoption of a resolution.

Debate in Parliament

The extraordinary Energy (TTE) Council met in a critical moment caused by the current unprecedented interruption of gas supplies from Russia via Ukraine to the EU.

The Council concluded that both parties should resume gas deliveries to the EU immediately in order to rebuild the credibility of both parties and avoid further economical harms and suffering to the citizens of the EU and of neighbouring countries. It calls on both parties to develop lasting solutions that would prevent the recurrence of such dispute, and in any case ensure they will honour their obligations and guarantee the continuity of gas supply to the EU.

The Council agrees on the necessity urgently to develop and strengthen medium and long-term measures along the following priority axes: transparency regarding physical gas flows, demand and storage volumes must be enhanced in both Member States and their industry, and in supply and transit countries, including by installing reliable metering systems where appropriate. In this framework, the Council recalls the contribution of long term contracts to the reliability of both countries towards European final customers. It also recalls that early implementation of measures and commitments related to the internal market, energy efficiency and renewable energy also contribute to energy security.

Lastly, the Council invites the Commission to identify with the Member States affected, the economic and social consequences resulting from the crisis and to map out the relevant measures, including State

aid rules where necessary, in assisting those Member States.